The standard two-car American household garage measures approximately 480 square feet, which is about 20 percent of the size of the average U.S. home. Most garages are not built with energy efficiency in mind, so for the energy-conscious homeowner, that can represent a lot of room for savings. Retrograding your energy-efficient garage isn’t as obtrusive to your daily routine as a home remodel might be and there are many things that can be done to lower your bills.
Reduce Your Bills with These Garage Tips
Consider American Veteran Garage Door’s following suggestions on how to make your garage energy efficient this season so you’ll start saving energy and money all year round!
Solar Power
Insulation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your garage’s energy efficiency. Make sure to insulate your garage ceiling or attic, as it is one of the most important areas to insulate because heat rises and then escapes through the roof. In the summer, an insulated roof will also reduce heat gain by creating a barrier from the sun. You might also consider adding solar panels to power your garage lights, large appliances, or an electric vehicle.
Insulate and Air Seal Walls
You will want to insulate your garage walls, and the type of insulation to use depends on where you live. Your climate, garage structure, and energy-efficiency goals should all be considered when choosing your insulation materials, or ask a professional for advice.
Air sealing, or draft prevention, is another simple, but effective, method of energy efficiency. Foam or caulk should be used to seal cracks in the walls and around your windows and garage doors. Additionally, sealing the wall between the house and an attached garage will also protect the home from unwanted fumes.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs is one of the best things you can do to save on lighting costs in your garage, and ironically enough, LEDs work well in cold weather. You should also put your garage lights on a timer so no one forgets to turn off the lights.
Energy-Saving Garage Door
When choosing an energy-efficient garage door, realize that the amount of insulation may not be as meaningful as you think. You should consider the overall effectiveness of the entire door and how it keeps cold air out- so look for a garage door that seals properly on all sides.
Old Appliance Suckers
Many people retire old appliance pieces such as refrigerators, television sets, and freezers by throwing it into the garage. Consider unplugging appliances that aren’t getting constant use, and think about upgrading any that are out of date.
Flooring
Cracks in your garage floor can create an uneven level which can allow cold air to enter the space. As a preventative measure, use a concrete sealer as an easy way to keep it from happening.
Never forget the garage whenever you are checking your home for energy efficiency. An energy-efficient garage not only helps lower energy bills, but it will also protect your household from potentially toxic fumes, helps resale value, and give you peace of mind.